Apparatus for cleansing and massaging

ABSTRACT

A device for cleansing and massaging comprising an elongated support strap having openings disposed in each end thereof to provide means for grasping the device with both hands, a spongelike, moisture-retaining member being secured to at least one side of the strap, said device having disposed and sealed therein a vibrating massage means with energizing means removably housed within the sponge structure to provide the operating power to the device.

Waited fitates Fatent Kollitz 1 May 28, 1974 APPARATUS FOR CLEANSING AND MASSAGING 1/1971 Kaye 128/32 Primary Examiner-Lawrence W. Trapp Attorney, Agent, or FirmFrancis X. Lo Jaccmo [57] ABSTRACT A device for cleansing and massaging comprising an elongated support strap having openings disposed in each end thereof to provide means for grasping the device with both hands, a sponge-like, moistureretaining member being secured to at least one side of the strap, said device having disposed and sealed therein a vibrating massage means with energizing means removably housed within the sponge structure to provide the operating power to the device.

3 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures til "Hall I M 2 71% 3 4244/ 22 20 136 /8 24 336 6'0 PATENTEDNAY 28 m4 SHEU 1 Bf 2 mm Jwvww I APPARATUS FOR CLEANSING MASSAGING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a cleansing-and-massaging device for use when an individual takes a bath or shower, and more particularly relates to a cleansingand-massaging device that incorporates an electrically energized, vibrating means sealed within the structure thereof.

2. Description of the Prior Art As is well known in the art, there are many varieties of back-scrubbing devices, some of which cannot be used by persons having sensitive skin. For example, those apparatuses having brush-like bristles are often too harsh. These, also, do not readily retain the soapy water and they are generally too heavy to operate properly, as well as being more costly to produce. There is also the type that includes canvas or cloth, and these wear out faster due to constant waterlogging or remaining damp for long periods of time. As of late, there have appeared back-washing devices having sponge materials which solved some of the above-mentioned problems, but yet leave much to be desired when a massaging action is needed. With these, the sponges retain the soapy water, give a good cleansing action, and can be manipulated, not only on the back, but on any other desired part of the body. However, because of their light weight, they do not provide a good massaging action. Therefore, to the applicants knowledge, there is no device that provides for both good cleansing and massaging actions, and-that is also capable of being used under constant wet conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention discloses an apparatus for scrubbing and cleansing and, at the same time, providing a very relaxing massage heretofore unobtainable with back-scrubbing devices. The present apparatus comprises an elongated support trap having openings disposed at each end thereof, whereby a positive grasp can be made while the apparatus is manipulated. Secured to at least one side of the strap is a moistureretaining structure which can be of any known waterretaining, sponge-like material. The sponge material is provided with recesses to accept a molded, one-piece housing. This housing is secured to the support strap in such a manner that it is sealed for preventing water from entering within the housing which encapsulates a vibrating massage means. The vibrating means includes at least one electrically-operated motor, the motor being energized by dry-cell batteries of a well-known, commercial type. These batteries are removably sealed .within their own housing which is inserted within the apparatus when the motor is to be operated as a vibrator.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION The present invention has for an important object a provision whereby a back-scrubbing and cleansing device incorporates an operable massaging means disposed within its structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cleansing-and-massaging apparatus which ineludes an electrical energizing means whereby said apparatus will vibrate for use in a shower or bath.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a cleansing-and-massaging apparatus which includes a vibrating means as the massage means and is operated by dry-cell batteries.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus of this character that is easy to use, light in weight, and can retain moisture, particularly soapy water, while at the same time provide a relaxing vibrator massage.

It is still a further object of the invention to feature an apparatus of this character along with other off-theshelf items, the apparatus being relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of this character that is simple in structure yet durable in construction.

Other characteristics, advantages and objects of this invention can be more readily appreciated from the following description and appended claims. When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this description forms a part of the specification wherein like references and characters designate corresponding parts in several views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring more particularly to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 2 2 of FIG. 1, with the sponge structure in a depending mode of operation;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 3 3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4 4 of FIG. 2, showing a vibrator motor sealed within the structure thereof;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5 5 of FIG. 2, showing the batteries and housing therefor operably positioned within the apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the housing for the vibrator means;

FIG. 7 is an alternative arrangement of a vibrating motor; and

FIG. 8 is another alternative arrangement of a vibrating motor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring more particularly to the drawings, there is shown a cleansing-and-massaging apparatus, indicated generally at 10, said apparatus comprising a support structure 12 illustrated as an elongated strap made from a moisture-impermeable material, such as any well-known, thin, plastic, sheet material. This strap is provided at each free end with openings 14 therein, whereby both hands of an individual can positively and firmly grasp the strap. Secured to at least one side of the strap is moisture-retaining means 16 which will be described as a well-known type of commercial, synthetic, sponge material or sponge rubber. However, it is to be understood that other moisture-retaining materials can be used. Thus, in FIG. 1 the sponge material is shown as an elongated structure 18 secured to strap 12 intermediate the free ends thereof, said sponge being formed wherein the width thereof is equal to that of the strap, but its length can vary as long as it does not interfere with the openings 14.

Prior to the sponge structure 18 being secured to the strap 12, a sealing'means is fixedly secured to the strap by water-resistant cement or adhesive so as to provide a permanently-sealed housing, generally indicated at 20. Accordingly, the sealing means, as clearly seen in FIG. 6, comprises a pliable, moisture-impervious material preformed with a plurality-of chambers 22 and 24 having a sealing face member 28 which extends to form a somewhat flanged edge 30 about the perimeter of the structure 20. Face 28 and edge 30 provide the surface area needed to be secured to the surface of the support strap, as shown in H0. 2, so that the chambers 22 and 24 are completely sealed from moisture. However, there is also included and formed as part of the structure an enclosure 32 having one end open which need not'be sealed.

Referring back to the chambers 22 and 24, there is fixedly disposed within the integral walls of said chambers a vibrating massage means herein described and shown as a small commercial motor 34 which is to be battery operated. Various types of vibrating motors can be used and willvbe herein described. However, the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, has operably disposed within each chamber a motor 34 fitted in such a manner that substantial space 36 is provided to receive a weighted member 38 for free rotation therein. Said weighted member 38 is eccentrically mounted to the shaft 39 of motor 34.

it should be mentioned here that the shape of chambers 22 and 24 can take any form that will be suitable for the design of a particular vibrating motor, i.e., it might just as well be circular in configuration.

Thus, as structure 20 is secured to strap 12, it can be seen that motors 34 are completely sealed from moisture within chambers 22 and 24. I

As mentioned above, an energy source is required to operate the motors 34 and this source is in the form of dry-cell batteries 40 disposed directly within the device. In order to protect the batteries 40 from water when the apparatus is used as a scrubbing device, they are enclosed in their own separate housing, generally indicated at 42 inFlGS. 2, 3 and 5. Said housing 42 comprises a back wall 44, top and bottom walls 45 and 46, respectively, and side walls 47, all of which are integrally formed, the front end thereof being adapted to receive a removable front wall 48 whereby batteries therein can be replaced when needed. Hence, when front wall 48 is in place, batteries 40 are sealed from water therein. Proper contact between batteries is provided by a contact metal bar 49 attached to the inner face of wall 48, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 5. The opposite ends of batteries 40 are in forceable contact with contact heads 50 which are, in turn, connected to fingers 52. Heads 50 and fingers 52 are pinned together and attached through the back wall 44. Thus, each finger 52 engages respective contact bars 54 and 55 which are fixed to the closed end of enclosure 32. Said bars 54 and 55 are then electrically connected to the vibrating motors 34 by sealed wires 56.

At this time, we have a support strap 12 having a vibrating means encapsulated in a sealed structure, said vibrating means being capable of flexing along its longitudinal plane and operated by an energizing means. Thus, we have a vibrating device to which is added the 4 scrubbing means, indicated generally by 60, said scrubbing means being comprised of a moisture-absorbent material, such as a rubber or synthetic plastic, or it may be of any other moisture-absorbent, composition material used industrially in place of conventional sponges or sponge rubber.

- Accordingly, said absorbent material is shown as a sponge 62 inseparably affixed to portions of the strap 12 and to the entire outer surface of the sealed housing 20. Hence, it can be understood that the sponge 62 will have sufficient length to cover openings 14 and will not be shorter than the sealed housing 20. Said sponge is provided with pockets 64 and 66, respectively. having corresponding configurations to those of each chamber configuration 22 and 24. In addition, the sponge is provided with a recess area 68 to cover enclosure 32 and close the open end of said enclosure 32 by means of flaps 70 created by slits 72. Thus, this permits the battery housing access to said enclosure and prevents said housing from falling out while in use.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show various types ofvibrator motors. FIG. 7 illustrates a well-known, commercial vibrator having a vibrating arm 70 that operates in the wellknown manner. However, the motor, generally indicated at 72, is caused to vibrate due to the relief areas 74 disposed in armature portions 75, thus allowing an unbalanced condition to exist because of armature 76.

Therefore, in order to operate the apparatus as a scrubbing device, the batteries are not inserted into the enclosure. However, if one desires to receive a massaging effect, said battery housing with the batteries enclosed therein is inserted in enclosure 32, causing the entire sponge to vibrate as the apparatus is manipulated over the body. At this time it should be pointed out that this apparatus can be used on any part of the body, wet or dry, when using the vibrator means.

The invention and its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, or sacrificing its material advantages, the arrangements hereinbefore described being merely by way of example, and I do not wish to be restricted to the specific forms shown or uses mentioned, except as defined in the accompanying claims.

I claim: 1

l. A combination cleansing-and-massaging apparatus for manual manipulation over all areas of an individual s body, comprising:

a vibrating massage means;

an elongated flexible support strap defined by a thin sheet of non-absorbent material, forming a strap having openings disposed in each free end thereof,

whereby said strap is grasped with both hands for manual manipulation thereof;

a first housing comprising a pliable moistureimpervious material preformed with a plurality of chambers, wherein said vibrating massage means is disposed therein, said housing being fixedly secured and sealed to at least one side of said strap, whereby said vibrating means is sealed between said housing and said strap for protection from moisture;

a moisture-absorbent means superposed over said first housing and affixed thereto, wherein said said first housing for removable storage of said second housing.

3. A combination cleansing-and-massaging apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein a pair of dry-cell batteries are removably enclosed within said second housing, said second housing having a removable end wall whereby said batteries are permitted to be received in said housing;

contact means disposed between said batteries,

wherein said contact means comprises a plurality of contact elements, having a first pair of elements operably secured within said enclosure of said first housing for direct contact with a second pair of elements secured to said second housing. 

1. A combination cleansing-and-massaging apparatus for manual manipulation over all areas of an individual''s body, comprising: a vibrating massage means; an elongated flexible support strap defined by a thin sheet of non-absorbent material, forming a strap having openings disposed in each free end thereof, whereby said strap is grasped with both hands for manual manipulation thereof; a first housing comprising a pliable moisture-impervious material preformed with a plurality of chambers, wherein said vibrating massage means is disposed therein, said housing being fixedly secured and sealed to at least one side of said strap, whereby said vibrating means is sealed between said housing and said strap for protection from moisture; a moisture-absorbent means superposed over said first housing and affixed thereto, wherein said moisture-absorbent means comprises a pliable sponge material disposed along the length of said strap between the openings thereof, whereby the outer surface of said sponge material is adapted for direct manualmanipulating contact with said body; and energizing means to operate said vibrating means removably enclosed within a portion of said first housing.
 2. A combination cleansing-and-massaging apparatus as recited in claim 1, including: a second housing wherein said energizing means is removably stored therein and sealed from moisture; and an opened end enclosure provided in a portion of said first housing for removable storage of said second housing.
 3. A combination cleansing-and-massaging apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein a pair of dry-cell batteries are removably enclosed within said second housing, said second housing having a removable end wall whereby said batteries are permitted to be received in said housing; contact means disposed between said batteries, wherein said contact means comprises a plurality of contact elements, having a first pair of elements operably secured within said enclosure of said first housing for direct contact with a second pair of elements secured to said second housing. 